Possibility of reopening Thailand on Oct. 1 to be considered

Songkran festival

Revellers use water guns to spray at one another as they celebrate the Buddhist New Year, locally known as Songkran, in Bangkok on April 14, 2019. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP)

BANGKOK — If vaccination drives in other countries continue easing the pandemic situation, then Thailand should be be fully reopened within this year, Apisamai Srirangsan, Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesperson, said on Wednesday.

She said a CCSA team spoke with deputy Samut Sakhon governor Thiraphat Khashmat about infections in the province and learned that the number of new cases has been dropping continuously. CCSA will consider readjusting the color-tier labels for provinces on March 19 because, over the past few weeks, only 10 provinces have been reporting infections.

The relaxation of more measures may be considered before April 1 so people can enjoy Songkran festival this year.

CCSA is considering the possibility of reopening the country on October 1 provided the government is fully prepared, businesses are willing to follow health measures and the public will maintain guard against the virus.

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